The countdown to the 2025 French Open has started, and the entry lists for the men’s and women’s singles tournaments were recently released. As expected, all top players have confirmed their presence in the second Grand Slam tournament.
For the men’s, top seed and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will play in only his second tournament after his doping violation suspension expires. Sinner won the year’s first Major at the Australian Open.
The women’s tournament could have the most interesting twist, and there is an increasing possibility that we might see a new champion. Iga Swiatek, winner of four French Opens, is yet to lift a title with almost four months of the season gone. Of relevance, Swiatek lost to Jelena Ostapenko for the sixth time without reply in her first clay tournament of the year in Stuttgart.
Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys contested the year’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne, with the American memorably ending the Belarusian’s two-year stronghold of the Australian Open. Both women will be fancied to reach the deep end of the draw and trouble Swiatek.
Six teenagers feature in the field, evenly split between the men’s and women’s tournaments. So who are they?
1. Mirra Andreeva
The first name and the highest-ranked teenager in the world is Mirra Andreeva. The young Russian will turn 18 at the end of April. Remarkably, this will be her third main draw appearance at the French Open. She reached the semifinals last year after completing a massive upset over Sabalenka in the quarters.
2. Jakub Mensik
The highest-ranked teenager on the ATP Tour is Jakub Mensik. The 19-year-old sits at a career-high ranking of No. 23. His first ATP title was at the Masters 1000 level in Miami, beating his childhood idol Novak Djokovic in the final. Mensik has never played at the French Open in the past.
3. Joao Fonseca
Perhaps the most anticipated debut appearance in Paris will be that of Joao Fonseca. The 18-year-old Brazilian is rapidly rising in the rankings. He broke into the Top 60 and will play in only his second Grand Slam of his young career. His first one at the Australian Open was memorable (he defeated Andrey Rublev in the opening round).
4. Learner Tien
One of Fonseca’s former junior rivals will join him in the main draw, and that is Learner Tien. The 19-year-old American exceeded expectations at this year’s Australian Open when he reached the second week against all the odds. Tien made quite the splash in Melbourne when he defeated one-time Major champion Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-setter. His high tennis intelligence and craft might help in his adaptability on the red dirt.
5. Alexandra Eala
A little over a month ago, 19-year-old Alexandra Eala held little hope of playing in the French Open main draw. But a historic run to the Miami Open semifinals transformed her from a relative unknown to mainstream recognition. A Top 100 debut all but guaranteed that the Philippines flag will be raised around the grounds in Paris.
6. Maya Joint
One of the breakout youngsters on the WTA Tour will play at the French Open. Australia’s Maya Joint is another Top 100 debutant thanks to her fantastic form in the first quarter of 2025. The 19-year-old won 20 of 30 matches at all levels and soared to a career-high of No. 78. This will be her first participation at the clay Grand Slam.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
